Peterside’s life under threat –Amaechi

Rivers Gov: Over 400 APC members detained

Rivers State Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi said yesterday that the recent withdrawal of policemen from All Progressives Congress (APC) members was aimed at killing the gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Dakuku Peterside. He told a news conference in Port Harcourt that over 400 members have been detained by the police command.

Amaechi claimed that over 30 faithful had been killed by thugs, suspected to be supporters of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while 307 are being threatened and harassed by the zone 6 police command.

We wish to again, point out that while the recent rash of unlawful arrests, harassment and illegal detentions of APC members using Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and Zone 6 officers take place daily, nothing seems to be happening in respect of our various petitions and except the Almighty God, we are left with no protection from the law enforcement agencies. PDP members are being encouraged to run amok and take the laws into their hands.

“This has invariably caused the generally of our members in the state to lose confidence in the ability of the police in Rivers State to protect all the citizens alike. It is sad that because of the clear partisanship and deliberate attempt, people could not be living at a worse season of insecurity now than ever, pitiably, under an Inspector-General of Police”, he said.

Amaechi accused the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan of allegedly planning to use the police to exterminate APC members. He said APC in the state is nor only contending with the PDP, but Nigeria Police, as the unregistered political party. He said it was the First Lady who was allegedly responsible for the appointment of Commissioners of Police especially Mbu, Dan Bature and AIG Tunde Ogunsakin.

He condemned the recent withdrawal of policemen attached to the APC members on the order of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 6, Tunde Ogunsakin, saying it was aimed at making APC members, especially Dr. Peterside, easy prey to PPD thugs.

“The fear is fuelled by the unanswered questions as to whether this withdrawal of security personnel is linked to the aforesaid story of plans to assassinate Dr. Peterside and possibly, had the backing of top echelons of the security agencies in the state and country. Those hired for this assassination attempt are still roaming free in Port Harcourt.”

He said despite several letters to the Inspector-General of Police and numerous meetings with the Police Commissioner in River State, requesting protection of lives and properties, APC members have been denied the most basic of human rights, the right to life. Regrettably, Rivers State’s greatest offence is being the home state of the wife of the President, Dame Patience Jonathan”.